Material Safety Data Sheet for Cobalt Oxalate

Identification

Product Name: Cobalt Oxalate
Chemical Formula: CoC2O4
Synonyms: Cobalt(II) oxalate, Cobalt oxalate dihydrate
CAS Number: 60377-97-5
Recommended Uses: Used in catalysts, pigments, ceramics, electroplating, and chemical synthesis
Manufacturer: Please refer to supplier label
Emergency Phone Number: Refer to local poison control center

Hazard Identification

Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral, Inhalation), Eye Irritation, Skin Irritation, Specific Target Organ Toxicity
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed, toxic in contact with skin, toxic if inhaled, may cause cancer, suspected of damaging fertility, suspected of causing genetic defects, causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
Pictogram: Skull and crossbones, Health hazard, Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, wear protective clothing, gloves, eye and face protection, wash thoroughly after handling, do not eat, drink or smoke when using, if exposed or concerned get medical advice

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Cobalt(II) oxalate
CAS Number: 60377-97-5
Concentration: 98–100%
Impurities: Trace metallic oxides may be present from manufacturing, with cobalt content dominant

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove victim to fresh air, keep at rest in position comfortable for breathing, get medical attention immediately
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with water or shower for 15 minutes, seek medical attention
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing, seek medical help
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person, call physician right away
Symptoms: May include sore throat, coughing, abdominal pain, nausea, redness, and burning sensation for skin or eye contact

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam
Unsuitable Media: Do not use high pressure water jet
Specific Hazards: Product is not combustible, but fire can produce hazardous decomposition gases including carbon oxides and cobalt oxides
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear full turnout gear, self-contained breathing apparatus
Precautions: Use water spray to cool containers, prevent runoff from entering drains, collect contaminated firefighting water separately 

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear suitable protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, protective clothing, and dust mask
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers, drains, surface waters or soil, inform authorities in case of large spills
Containment: Sweep up spillage carefully to avoid dust formation, collect in containers for disposal, ventilate area
Cleanup Methods: Moisten powder with water to reduce dust, place collected material in labeled waste container, wash spill site after material pickup 

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas, avoid generation and inhalation of dust, wash hands after handling, avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers, keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, protect from incompatible materials such as strong acids or oxidizers
Incompatibilities: Strong acids and oxidizing agents may react violently or produce hazardous decomposition products

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general ventilation to minimize airborne dust
Personal Protection: Approved respirator for dust, chemical-resistant gloves, splash-proof goggles or face shield, protective lab clothing
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink, or smoke during use, wash hands and face after handling, remove and wash contaminated clothing before reuse
Exposure Limit Values: OSHA PEL for inorganic cobalt compounds is 0.1 mg/m³ (as cobalt), ACGIH TLV is 0.02 mg/m³ 

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Pink or reddish crystalline solid or powder
Odor: Odorless
pH: Slightly acidic in aqueous suspension
Melting Point: Decomposes on heating, does not melt under standard pressure
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in acids
Density: About 2.6 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Partition Coefficient: Not determined
Flash Point: Not flammable
Decomposition Temperature: Above 200°C with release of carbon oxides

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong acids and oxidizers, may produce toxic fumes on decomposition
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, cobalt oxides
Polymerization: Will not occur under normal use

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption, may cause respiratory irritation
Chronic Toxicity: Prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory problems, skin sensitization, possible carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity based on cobalt compound data
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact, absorption through skin possible
Symptoms of Overexposure: Headache, nausea, vomiting, chest tightness, chronic cough, dermatitis with repeated contact
Carcinogenicity: Classified as possible human carcinogen by IARC and NTP for cobalt compounds

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects, toxic to fish and other organisms even at low concentrations
Persistence: Not readily biodegradable
Bioaccumulation: Cobalt can accumulate in aquatic organisms
Mobility in Soil: Strongly adsorbed to soils, may persist
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid release to the environment, informs local authorities if environmental contamination occurs

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations, material and contaminated packaging considered hazardous waste
Recommended Disposal: Collect residuals and contaminated materials in a designated container, send to licensed hazardous waste disposal contractor
Special Precautions: Do not allow product to reach drains or watercourses, handle according to official regulations

Transport Information

UN Number: UN3288
Proper Shipping Name: Toxic solid, inorganic, n.o.s. (Cobalt oxalate)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1, Toxic substance
Packing Group: III
Labels Required: Toxic
Special Transport Precautions: Ensure containers are tightly closed and correctly labeled for transport, separate from food and feedstuffs during transport

Regulatory Information

OSHA Regulations: Subject to chemical safety requirements as toxic solid
SARA Title III: Listed under Section 313 for Cobalt compounds
TSCA Inventory: Listed
Canada WHMIS: Classified as toxic and hazardous
EU Classification: Carcinogen, Reproductive toxin, Environmental hazard
Other Regulatory Data: Local, national, and international controls may apply, check with authorities for current compliance status